The Phoenix Suns put on a show Tuesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 127-100 in a performance that marked the long-awaited return of Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant. Beal, who missed five games, and Durant, sidelined for seven, both scored 23 points as the Suns snapped a five-game losing streak. Devin Booker led the charge with 26 points and 10 assists, cementing Phoenix’s control in a decisive third quarter.
Booker Leads Charge in Momentum-Shifting Third Quarter
The game was a tale of two halves. Tied for much of the first two quarters, the Suns unleashed a 36-18 third-quarter blitz to turn the tide. Booker’s 11 points and Jusuf Nurkic’s 10 during the period extended the lead to 98-78 heading into the fourth. Nurkic capped off his night with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale chipped in key buckets off the bench.
Lakers Falter Despite Davis’ Dominance
Anthony Davis was the bright spot for the Lakers, recording 25 points and 15 rebounds, while LeBron James flirted with a triple-double, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists. However, the Lakers’ shooting woes from deep—just 23.5% on 8-of-34 attempts—proved costly. Los Angeles has now dropped three consecutive games, struggling to find answers after halftime.
Takeaways: Suns Shine with Star Power
The Suns’ performance highlighted their potential when their core is healthy. Beal’s efficiency, making 10 of 15 shots, complemented Durant’s steady scoring. Notably, Phoenix is now 9-1 with Durant in the lineup, showcasing their dependency on his presence. For the Lakers, the loss underscored their need for consistent outside shooting and depth to support their superstars.
This emphatic win restores confidence in the Suns’ championship aspirations and sends a message to the Western Conference: with their stars aligned, Phoenix is a force to be reckoned with.
